Drumlines catch actively feeding sharks using bait attached to shark fishing hooks.
Locations
Drumlines are used across the Queensland coastline, including in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. They are installed offshore, away from water users.
Design
Drumlines consist of a baited hook attached to a buoy and floats, attached to an anchor on the sea floor.
Captured animals
In the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park:
- if a bull, tiger or white shark is captured, the contractor will tag the shark, relocate it and release it, whenever possible and safe to do so
- all other sharks and animals are released whenever possible.
For all other coastal areas:
- target shark species captured on drumlines are removed and euthanised
- non-target shark species and other animals are released alive whenever possible.
We report catch data from drumlines.
Maintenance
The nets are serviced regularly by independent contractors, weather permitting.
They are removed from the water for maintenance and replaced at least once every 21 days.
Last updated: 16 Apr 2024